U.S. patent application number 16/104623 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-21 for umbrella system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lance Price. Invention is credited to Lance Price.
Application Number | 20190053588 16/104623 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65359949 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190053588 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Price; Lance |
February 21, 2019 |
Umbrella System and Method
Abstract
An umbrella system includes a collapsible umbrella preferably
having a telescoping pole, and including a generally hollow base
unit with an augur member attached to a bottom portion thereof. The
telescoping pole may be adjustable in height by any suitable means,
and is received by the base unit having a pair of handle members
extending radially therefrom, so that a user may grip the handle
members in order to twist the base unit with the augur member into
the ground. Other features may include an attachable table member,
attachable drink holders, a removable carrying strap, a rotating
collar assembly affixed to the lower portion of the base unit for
attachment to a dog leash, and a water misting system for providing
a spray water mist beneath the shade of the umbrella.
Inventors: |
Price; Lance; (Columbia,
SC) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Price; Lance |
Columbia |
SC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65359949 |
Appl. No.: |
16/104623 |
Filed: |
August 17, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62547143 |
Aug 18, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 2023/0012 20130101;
A45B 19/04 20130101; A45B 25/00 20130101; A45B 2025/003 20130101;
A45B 2200/1063 20130101; A45B 23/00 20130101; A45B 2200/1054
20130101; A45B 2200/1045 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45B 19/04 20060101
A45B019/04 |
Claims
1. An umbrella system comprising: a hollow base member having an
augur member at a bottom end thereof and a hole at a top portion
thereof for receiving an umbrella pole; a collapsible umbrella
having an umbrella pole that is received through said hole at said
top portion of said base member; at least one handle member
extending radially from a side of said base member; and a removable
table member that rests on an upper portion of said handle
member.
2. The umbrella system set forth in claim 1, further including a
cap member that may be secured to a top portion of said hollow base
member, so that said base member may be filled with water and
secured therein by said cap.
3. The umbrella system set forth in claim 1, further including a
knob having a threaded portion that engages a threaded hole in a
side of said base member, wherein said knob may be tightened
against said umbrella pole when said umbrella pole is disposed
within said hollow base member.
4. The umbrella system set forth in claim 1, further including a
misting system attached to said umbrella, wherein said misting
system includes a water container, a hose connected at one end to a
water container, and a pump for pumping said water through said
hose to at least one misting valve disposed on an upper portion of
said umbrella.
5. The umbrella system set forth in claim 4, wherein said pump is
selected from the group consisting of a motorized pump or a manual
pump.
6. The umbrella system set forth in claim 4, wherein said water
container is a cooler.
7. The umbrella system set forth in claim 1, further including a
rotating collar assembly disposed on said base member, said
rotating collar assembly including an eyelet attached thereto, so
that said eyelet rotates about a longitudinal axis of said base
member, and wherein said eyelet is adapted to be connected to one
end of a dog leash.
8. The umbrella system set forth in claim 1, further including a
ring disposed about said base member for attachment to one end of a
dog leash.
9. The umbrella system set forth in claim 1, further including a
storage bag removably attached to said table member for storing
items.
10. The umbrella system set forth in claim 7, further including an
attachment point disposed on a side of said base member for
attaching a strap thereto.
11. An umbrella system comprising: a collapsible umbrella having a
pole, said pole including an augur member at a bottom end thereof;
a misting system attached to said pole, said misting system
comprising a water hose attached at one end to misting valves
attached to said umbrella, a water hose operatively connected to
said misting valves at a first end of said hose; and a pump
operatively connected to said water hose for pumping water to said
misting valves.
12. The umbrella system set forth in claim 11, wherein said pump is
selected from the group consisting of a motorized pump or a
manually operated pump.
13. The umbrella system set forth in claim 11, wherein a distal end
of said hose is operatively connected to a water source.
14. The umbrella system set forth in claim 11, wherein said
umbrella pole is configured in telescopic relation, so that a
height of said umbrella pole may be adjusted by a user, as
desired.
15. The umbrella system set forth in claim 11, further including a
pair of handles extending radially from said umbrella pole,
allowing a user to use said handles to turn said umbrella pole in
order to drive said augur member into a ground surface.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a utility conversion of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/547,143, entitled Umbrella
System and Method, filed on Aug. 18, 2017. All of the foregoing
applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In recent years, many types of umbrellas have been developed
and commercialized for providing shade and shelter for people who
are participating in outdoor activities, such as bird hunting,
beach-going or tailgating for sporting events. Typically, these
umbrella systems include a means for attaching the umbrella to the
ground in such a way that it is stable in breezy conditions, and
may include additional features, including attachable tables or
seats.
[0003] Various efforts to develop umbrella and shade systems have
been attempted previously, and examples of such systems are
provided hereinbelow. Each of the references listed below are
hereby incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety:
U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,897--Beach and Lawn Table with Umbrella
Holder
[0004] A beach and lawn table which is affixed to the ground on
which it rests by an auger projecting from the base of the table.
The table has a single axially located leg which also provides a
holder for the shaft of an umbrella. The table top is removably
mounted on the upper end of the table's leg and also serves as a
wrench to screw the auger into the ground until the base of the
table rests firmly on the ground.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,156,369--Beach Umbrella
[0005] A ground anchoring arrangement for attachment to, for
example, the pole of a beach umbrella or the like consists of a
hollow cylindrical member having a rod rotatably supported therein.
A spiral screw is attached to one end of the rod, and the other end
of the rod is grippingly (CANC) attachable to a handle rotator.
Thus, when the handle rotator is rotated, the rod rotates, and the
spiral screw rotates with it. The point of the screw is placed
adjacent to the ground and rotated so that the screw digs itself
into the earth to firmly fix the elongated cylinder in the
ground.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,396,916--Beach Umbrella Anchoring Device
[0006] A shading device including an umbrella-like canopy
comprising a collapsible frame and a flexible light-proof covering
with a anchoring device for supporting the shade device above
ground so that the canopy will serve as a sun shade, particularly
for blocking the rays of the sun wherein the anchoring device
including an offset support arm for overhanging the canopy and a
anchoring helix adapted to be driven into the ground for providing
support to the shading device, said anchoring device is mounted to
the other end of a crankshaft with a hand crank for rotating the
crankshaft in screw fashion to drive the anchoring helix to impart
rotational force to drive the helical member of the anchoring
device into the ground for anchoring.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,172--Beach Umbrella with Self-Supporting
Stand
[0007] A beach umbrella is supported with a stand having a lower
shaft and an upper shaft, with the upper shaft supporting a beach
umbrella mast. Before attaching the umbrella mast, the tubular
upper shaft serves as an impact tool against a protuberance on the
lower shaft, allowing hammering of the lower shaft into composite
earth. The upper shaft telescopes onto the lower shaft securing a
tray in place against the protuberance after hammering is
completed.
U.S. Patent No. 6,487,977--Beach/Outdoor Table with Cork Screw
Anchor and Umbrella
[0008] A portable beach/outdoor table includes a table top adapted
to be removably mounted onto the top end of a support pole. An
auger is attached to and projects vertically from the lower end of
the support pole. A diametrically-extending rod is attached to the
support pole adjacent the auger. The rod functions as a wrench to
aid in inserting the support pole into the ground. The rod also
functions as a stabilizer for the table-mounted support pole.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,007,703--Umbrella with an Integral Anchoring
Structure
[0009] An umbrella with an integral anchoring structure is
provided. The umbrella includes a post having a lower end for
insertion into the ground, and an upper end for supporting an
umbrella top. The umbrella includes an integral spiral shaped
anchoring structure formed on the lower end of the post. The
anchoring structure is formed with a width, W, greater than a
diameter of the post and a length, which is adapted to stabilize a
weight of the umbrella and secure the umbrella and the post in a
variety of earthen conditions such as sand, lawn, and soil even in
a prevailing breeze or stormier conditions. The umbrella further
includes one or more retractable levers integrally attached along
the post.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,497,225--Multi-Functional Umbrella
[0010] A multi-functional umbrella includes a first rod and a
collapsible canopy directly anchored thereto. A second rod is
pivotally attached to the first rod, and a handle section is
monolithically formed with the second rod and spaced from the first
rod. A mechanism automatically penetrate: the second rod beneath a
ground surface. A mechanism broadcasts audio signals and is housed
within the second rod and the handle section, and includes a radio
and a speaker electrically coupled thereto. A mechanism discharges
a predetermined quantity of fluid from the first rod. The automatic
penetrating mechanism and the broadcasting mechanism and the fluid
discharging mechanism are simultaneously and independently operable
as desired by the user.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,541--Beach Umbrella Stand Including Foot
Operated Drive Assembly for Anchoring and Method of Use
[0011] A beach umbrella stand is provided including a foot operated
drive assembly. A pole of a beach umbrella stand has a hollow
interior portion housing the foot operated drive assembly. The foot
operated drive assembly includes a ratchet assembly operated by a
foot pedal. The ratchet assembly further includes an auger mounted
at least partially within the pole, for driving into the sand. The
ratchet assembly is positioned for operation of a pedal by a user's
foot.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,520,485--Multi-ModeBeach Umbrella Anchor
[0012] A multi-purpose beach anchor provides a sturdy base for at
least one of a small, medium or large sized beach umbrella as well
as for an optional table and an optional tubular holder for a
fishing rod. The rigidity of the anchor is secured by an integral
hand operable slide hammer mechanism for driving the spike element
into the sand for an optimal distance straight down. This slide
hammer is used by sliding up and down over a tubular support member
atop the spike, wherein the spike has an integral strike collar. A
few short strokes of the weighted slide hammer element drives the
spike into the sand or other terrain. A hand screw is then used to
lock the hammer weight to the tubular support and the spike
rigidly. An umbrella shaft can then be directly slid over the
support tube and locked in place.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,581,707--Automatic Universal Multi-Purpose Ground
Stand
[0013] An automatic, universal, multi-purpose ground stand to
securely affix an umbrella, or any like device, into any malleable
surface such as sand, grass, gravel or dirt. The device is intended
to accommodate any size or shape of commercially available beach or
sun umbrellas. This device also contemplates the securement of
other devices such as fishing poles. The device is comprised,
primarily of a main tube with a helical auger screw bit and a DC
electric motor to turn the screw. A user of said device would
extend the helical auger screw bit, engage the DC electric motor,
and allow the action of the DC electric motor to secure the helical
auger screw into a malleable surface.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,179,745--Awesumbrella
[0014] An improved self-anchoring umbrella, the umbrella comprising
a canopy and pole, a retractable auger disposed within the pole of
the umbrella. The retractable auger is operated using an electric
motor and portable power source, and a switch allowing a user to
provide power to the electric motor which rotates a drive head with
spiral teeth engaged within spiral grooves in the pole. The
umbrella may further include a table portion, and extendable
stabilizing legs disposed in the lower portion of the pole. When
the auger portion is screwed into sand or other surface and the
stabilizing legs are engaged with the surface, the invention
provides a stable umbrella for outdoor recreation and other
purposes.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a first
embodiment of an umbrella system includes a collapsible umbrella
having a telescoping pole, and including a generally hollow base
unit with an augur member attached to a bottom portion thereof. The
telescoping pole may be adjustable in height by any suitable means,
and is received by the base unit having a pair of handle members
extending radially therefrom, so that a user may grip the handle
members order to twist the base unit with the augur member into the
ground.
[0016] Other features may include an attachable table member,
attachable drink holders, a removable carrying strap, a rotating
collar affixed to the lower portion of the base unit for attachment
to a dog leash, attachable fishing rod holders, attachable dog food
or water bowls or containers, and a water misting system for
providing a spray water mist beneath the shade of the umbrella. In
a preferred embodiment, the umbrella system is collapsible and
capable of disassembly, so that all of the components may be stored
in a small bag for storage and transport, and set up as
desired.
[0017] In another embodiment, the base unit may include a
motor-driven mechanism for turning the augur, so that a user may
simply place the augur on any desired spot on the ground and turn
on the motor driven mechanism to drive the augur member into the
ground.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with regard to the
following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings
where:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an
umbrella system in accordance with the present invention, including
a collapsible umbrella, a pole supporting the umbrella, a hollow
base unit including an augur member at the bottom portion thereof,
a pair of handle members extending radially from the base unit, an
attachable table removably affixed about the base unit and
supported by the handle members, the table having openings on an
upper surface for holding various items, and a rotating collar
positioned about a lower portion of the base unit with attachment
means for receiving one end of a dog leash or the like;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an
umbrella system in accordance with the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of one embodiment of
the base member of an umbrella system in accordance with the
present invention, showing a base member having an augur at a lower
end thereof, a removable table that is attachable to the base unit,
a pair of handle members, a knob that tightens down on an umbrella
pole when placed into the base unit, and a ring and eyelet disposed
about the base member for attaching a dog leash or the like;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective underside view of a removable table
that is attachable to the base unit of the umbrella system in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, wherein
the table includes a pair of holes on either side, one generally
square shaped hole and one round hole, and further including a pair
of cross-straps that extend beneath the holes in the table for
supporting items placed within the holes, and a pair of snap-fit
members that are used to secure the table to the handle members of
the base member;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an umbrella system in
accordance with the present invention, further including a misting
system including a cooler having a water hose attached to a
drainage valve, wherein the hose runs upwardly to a top portion of
the umbrella pole and is connected to a series of misting valves,
and further including a motorized pump disposed in-line along the
water hose for pumping water from the cooler to the misting
valves;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an umbrella system in
accordance with the is present invention, further including a
misting system including a manual pump water container having a
water hose attached thereto, wherein the hose runs upwardly to a
top portion of the umbrella pole and is connected to a series of
misting valves, and wherein the manual pump is used to create
pressure for pumping water from the water container to the misting
valves;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hollow
base member in accordance with one aspect of the present invention
showing a cap member that may be screwed onto a top portion of the
base member, so that the hollow portion of the base member may be
filled with water, and the cap may be secured to the opening at the
top of the base member in order to maintain the water within the
hollow base member;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a perspective underside view of one embodiment of
a removable table that is attachable to the base unit of the
umbrella system in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention, wherein the table includes a pair of holes on either
side, one generally square shaped hole and one round hole, and
further including generally rigid support members disposed beneath
the holes in the table for supporting items placed within the
holes, straps attached to the support members for holding a bag or
the like, and a pair of snap-fit clips attached to the underside of
the support members, wherein the snap-fit clips that are used to
removably secure the table to the handle members of the base
member;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a partial rear side view of a one embodiment of a
removable table attached to the base member, wherein snap-fit clips
are engaged with the handle members, and further showing a bag
attached to the table member for holding or storing items; and
[0028] FIG. 10 is a partial front side view of the embodiment shown
in FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] Overview
[0030] The present invention includes, in a first embodiment, a
base unit 10 comprising a hollow tube having an augur member 12
attached (either as a separate component, or integrally formed) to
a bottom portion thereof. A handle member 14 is disposed near the
top of the base unit 10, and preferably comprises a pair of handles
14 extending radially from opposed sides of the base unit 10, to
allow a user to grasp the handles and turn the base unit 10 so that
the augur member 12 drives the base unit 10 securely into the
ground. The base unit 10 is preferably hollow, and includes a hole
at a top end for receiving the umbrella pole 16. A knob 52 may
include a threaded portion that engages a threaded hole on a side
of the base member 10, and may be used to secure the umbrella pole
in place within the base member 10. The umbrella pole may be raised
or lowered within the base member, and the knob 52 is used to
secure the umbrella pole at any desired position, which allows the
height of the umbrella to be adjusted. The umbrella 18 is
preferably collapsible, consistent with traditional style
umbrellas, and the pole 16 supporting the umbrella may be arranged
in a telescopic fashion and secured with another threaded knob 52,
thereby providing an additional height adjustment for the umbrella
18, as desired.
[0031] In one embodiment, the base member 10 is hollow, and may be
filled with water during transport to a desired location, in order
to provide water for a dog bowl, for example. In this embodiment, a
user may fill the base member 10 with water, and then may place a
cap 54 over the opening at the top portion of the base member to
prevent the water from spilling out of the base her, as shown in
FIG. 7. When the user arrives at a desired location to set up the
umbrella assembly, the user may remove the cap 54 and pour the
water from the hollow base member 10 into a dog bowl. This
arrangement obviates the need to carry an extra water container for
a dog.
[0032] Optionally, a removable table member 20 may fit over the top
of the base unit 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-6. The table member 20
includes a central hole, which allows the table 20 to slide onto
the top of the base unit 10 until it rests on the handle members
14, as shown. The handle members 14 may be used to support the
table member 20, and in one embodiment, the table member 20 may
include clips or snap fit attachments 22 on an underside thereof,
as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, where the clips 22 may snap-fit onto the
handle members 14 so that the table member 20 is removably secured
to the top portion of the base unit 10. The table may also include
additional holes or openings for receiving drinks, cups, ammunition
boxes, or the like, which are supported on an underside by straps
or other flexible or rigid support surfaces below the openings, as
shown in FIGS. 8-10.
[0033] Optionally, a storage bag 58 may be removably attached to
the table member 20 by any suitable means, including straps 60,
clips, hook and loop fasteners, or the like. The bag preferably has
an opening at an upper portion thereof, with a zipper 62 or other
mechanism that closes the opening. Any suitable closing mechanism
may be used, including hook and loop material, snaps, or other
commonly used closing mechanisms. In one embodiment, the bag straps
60 are attached (either permanently secured, or removably attached)
to the rigid support surfaces disposed beneath the holes in the
table member, as shown in FIGS. 8-10.
[0034] Rotating Collar Assembly
[0035] A rotating collar assembly 24 may be attached to a lower
portion of the base unit 10. In one embodiment, the rotating collar
comprises an outer sleeve 26 having a top portion 28 and a bottom
portion 30 that holds an inner tube 32 in place on the base unit
10, so that the inner tube 32 may rotate about the longitudinal
axis of the base unit 10, as shown in FIG. 7. The inner tube 32
further includes an eyelet 34 that may rotate with the inner tube
32, where the eyelet 34 protrudes between the top portion 28 and
the bottom portion 30 of the outer sleeve 26, as shown. This
arrangement allows a dog leash to be attached to the rotating
collar assembly 24 so that the dog may roam about the periphery of
the base unit 10 without twisting the leash about the base unit.
FIG. 7 also shows an attachment point 64 below the handle members
for attachment of a carrying strap. The strap may be attached at
the attachment point on one end of the strap, and may attach at the
other end to the rotating collar assembly 24, so that a user may
carry the disassembled umbrella system using the strap.
[0036] The rotating collar assembly 24, in another embodiment,
includes a circular track having ballbearings secured within the
track, and a rotating disc fits into the track and rotates about
the track over the ballbearings. The rotating collar may include an
eyelet 34 extending radially therefrom, so that a dog leash may be
clipped onto the eyelet 34. Alternatively, a ring 36 may simply be
placed around the base member 10.
[0037] Misting System
[0038] In one preferred embodiment, a misting system 38 is
provided. The misting system 38 includes a water container 40 and a
water hose 42 that extends upwardly along (inside or outside of)
the base unit 10 and the umbrella pole 16 to one or more misting
valves 44 that are attached to the underside of the umbrella 18,
preferably either to the underside of the umbrella spokes 46, or to
the umbrella pole 16, or both. In one embodiment, the water
container 40 comprises a spray bottle 40A having a hose 42 and a
hand pump 58 for pressurizing the container, so that a user may
simply use the hand pump 48 to pressurize the spray bottle 40A,
which forces water through the hose 42 to the misting valves 44, as
shown in FIG. 6. When the water is pumped from the spray bottle
40A, through the spray bottle hose 42 and then through the misting
system hose 42 to the misting valves 44, a mist is emitted from the
misting valves 44, which provides a cooling effect to users who are
positioned underneath, or near the umbrella 18. It should be
understood that the misting system 38 may be attached to the
umbrella system in any suitable manner, and may be either built-in
or completely detachable from the umbrella system and the base unit
10.
[0039] In one embodiment, the misting system 38 includes a hose 42
or tube that is disposed on the inner portion of the hollow base
member 10, and includes an attachment mechanism connected to a
bottom portion of the base member 10. The attachment mechanism may
be attached to a hose extending from a manual pump spray bottle 40A
(typically used for spraying insecticides, water, or other liquids
for agricultural or landscaping purposes), and the upper portion of
the misting system hose 42 may be attached to a single or multiple
misting valves 44.
[0040] Alternatively, a motorized pump 50 may be used to pump water
from any water container 40 or water source to the misting valves
44. The motorized pump 50 may take the form of an aquarium style
pump or bilge pump that sits submerged in the bottom of a cooler
40B or other water container, or may be positioned in-line on the
hose 42 as shown in FIG. 5, and is preferably battery operated. In
another embodiment, the pump 50 may be attached to the base unit 10
itself, and may include an external intake hose 42 that may be
placed into any water source, including a cooler 40B, a bucket, a
pond, or may be attached to a spigot or water hose from an
irrigation system, or the like. In FIG. 5, the water hose 42 is
attached to the drainage valve of a cooler 40B, and runs to the
motorized pump 50, which pumps the water upwardly to the misting
valves 44. This arrangement is particularly useful, as the cooler
40B may further include ice, which keeps the water cold and
provides additional relief as cold mist.
[0041] Motorized Augur
[0042] The base unit 10 may optionally include a motor for rotating
the augur member, similarly to the operation of a drill.
Preferably, the motor is mounted on the base unit 10, and may
rotate the augur 12 in either direction, for inserting the augur 12
into the ground or for removing it from the ground. Alternatively,
the base unit 10 may include the gearing mechanism for spinning the
augur 12 in either direction, and the base unit 10 may include an
attachment for receiving the rotating end of a hand-held drill. In
this way, a user may place the base unit 10 at a desired location,
attach the drill (or a complementary drill bit that fits the
rotating attachment on the base unit) to the rotating attachment on
the base unit, so that the operation of the drill spins the augur
12 in the desired direction. In another alternative, a hand crank
may be used to spin the augur mechanism 12, instead of a motorized
drill.
[0043] Although the present invention has been described in
considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions
thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and
scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the
description of the preferred versions contained herein. All
features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by
alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar
purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly
stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a
generic series of equivalent or similar features.
* * * * *